This flavorful Salmon with Parsley Sauce is a British-inspired classic that's quick, elegant, and perfect for weeknights. Ready in under 20 minutes, the buttery parsley sauce perfectly complements the seared salmon. Serve it with steamed peas and tender potatoes for a traditional and satisfying English-style dinner.
If you've never tried parsley sauce, you're definitely not alone. This classic English condiment hasn't really made its way to the States, which is such a shame because it's incredibly flavorful and versatile. I first tasted it years ago when my British mother-in-law served it during a visit to England, and I was instantly hooked.
This recipe is my own take on her traditional version, fresh parsley blended into a creamy, buttery sauce that pairs perfectly with seared salmon. The best part? It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an easy way to bring a bit of British comfort food to your dinner table. Serve it with steamed peas and tender potatoes for a simple, elegant meal that feels special but is effortless enough for a busy weeknight.
Other British and Irish inspired recipes you will love.
Equipment
For this recipe you will need:
- Skillet: I recommend this All clad nonstick skillet.
- Sauce pan: This Cuisinart sauce pan is great.
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salmon filets - You could also get a large fillet and roast it if you prefer that to searing individual filets.
- Olive oil - Avocado oil or grape seed oil also work.
- Butter - I like using salted butter for this recipe.
- Salt & pepper
- All purpose flour
- Milk: I highly recommend using whole milk.
- Fresh parsley - This is the star ingredient to fresh is best. Dried parsley won't work nearly as well for this dish.
- Wholegrain mustard - You could also use dijon if preferred.
- Fresh lemon juice
Serving Suggestions
You can pair this dish with any vegetables you like, but my favorite way to serve it is alongside simply steamed baby potatoes. I toss them with a bit of butter, freshly chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt, then mix in tender petit pois (green peas) for a classic and comforting side.
Other delicious homemade salmon recipes to check out.
Chili Lime Salmon with Mexican Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Made this homemade seared salmon with parsley sauce recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
Seared Salmon with Parsley Sauce
Equipment
- Small sauce pan
- Nonstick skillet
Ingredients
For the seared salmon
- 4 6 oz salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- salt & pepper
For the Parsley Sauce
- 3.5 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk I recommend whole milk
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley
- 3 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- salt & pepper to taste
- ½ small lemon
Instructions
For the Parsley Sauce
- Start by melting your butter in a small/medium sauce pan over medium heat.
- Once melted, add flour and whisk over medium heat for about one minute, making sure there are no lumps of flour.
- Turn heat down to low and stream in milk while whisking continuously.
- Turn heat back up to medium and cook for about 5 minutes while whisking continuously until the sauce begins to thicken. Once it coats the back of a spoon it is finished.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, wholegrain mustard, parsley and lemon juice.
- At this point taste it and add any additional salt or pepper as desired.
- Serve over seared salmon and veggies. Enjoy!
For the Salmon
- Take salmon fillets out of the fridge 5-10 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with a paper towel then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a nonstick skillet until hot and shimmering.
- Lay the salmon in the pan, skin side down (you should hear a sizzle, if you don't your skillet isn't hot enough).
- Turn the heat to medium high and cook the fish for 3-4 minutes.
- Flip the salmon fillets to the other side and add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan. Use a spoon to pour some of the butter onto the salmon as it cooks.
- Cook salmon over medium high heat for another 3-4 minutes and immeditaley remove from the pan.
- Serve with parsley sauce and your choice of veggies. Enjoy!
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